I’ve been away from Whidbey Island for a few years, since the Navy sent us overseas and now back to California. Whidbey was our home for 12 years and it’s likely we’ll return when my husband retires. So I still keep up with things and vote in my district.

Imagine my surprise when I opened my absentee ballot and saw Mac McDowell’s name on the ballot for county commissioner. I could not believe he is still serving as commissioner. After 16 years.

Whether you support or oppose his politics and positions, it’s simply unseemly to have any county commissioners who can serve for that long. Over time, their relationships with contributors and businesses becomes too entrenched. The interest of the public gets forgotten, even with the best of intentions.

I encourage the voters to give the people a fresh chance and vote for his opponent, Angie Homola.

Then, get to work at establishing a two-term limit for county commissioners to keep the public’s interests in focus.

Even the President of the United States only gets eight years.

Lori Taylor

Monterey, Calif.